Tizi n'Tichka Pass: Morocco's Spectacular Road Over the High Atlas
The Tizi n'Tichka is the mountain pass on the N9 road between Marrakech and Ouarzazate, at about 2,260 m, the highest paved road pass in the High Atlas. The 200 km drive from Marrakech to Ouarzazate takes around 4 hours with photo stops. It is crossed on every desert tour heading south from Marrakech and on day trips to Ait Benhaddou.
The route in brief
Leaving Marrakech, the road crosses the Haouz plain, then climbs through Ait Ourir and the green valleys of the northern Atlas, with walnut trees and terraced fields. After Taddert, the gradient and the bends increase until the pass, marked by a sign, cafés and fossil sellers. The southern descent is drier and more mineral, with red and ochre slopes leading towards Ouarzazate.
Best stops along the road
- Taddert: a village of roadside restaurants, good for a tea or a tagine before the climb.
- Viewpoints on the switchbacks: safe lay-bys look down on the hairpin bends.
- The pass: a short stop at 2,260 m; vendors sell minerals and fossils (some are dyed, so look carefully).
- Telouet: a detour of about 20 km to the Glaoui kasbah, with remarkable decorated rooms; see Kasbah Telouet.
- Ait Benhaddou: the UNESCO-listed ksar, 30 km before Ouarzazate. Read our Ait Benhaddou guide.
Driving the Tichka safely
- Expect slow trucks, buses and roadworks; overtake only with clear visibility.
- Use a low gear on descents rather than braking constantly.
- Avoid driving at night: there is little lighting and animals or pedestrians may be on the road.
- Check weather forecasts in winter: snow can close the pass for a few hours or a day.
- If you are prone to motion sickness, sit in the front and take a tablet before leaving.
Many visitors prefer to leave the driving to professionals: our Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate day trip and all our desert tours use experienced mountain drivers.
When to cross
The road is open year-round. Spring brings green slopes and snow on the summits; autumn is clear and mild. In winter, mornings can be icy at the top; in summer, the pass is a cool break before the heat of the south.
Where it leads
South of the pass lie Ouarzazate, the Draa Valley towards Zagora and the Dades and Todra valleys towards Merzouga. See things to do in Ouarzazate, the Dades Valley and Marrakech to Merzouga. Historical background on the route is available on Wikipedia's Tizi n'Tichka article.
Book it with a local operator
- From Marrakech: Ait Benhaddou & Ouarzazate Day Trip over the High Atlas — from €39 per person, pay on the day.
- From Marrakech: 2-Day Zagora Desert Trip with Camel Ride & Camp — from €79 per person, pay on the day.
- From Marrakech: 3-Day Sahara Desert Tour to Merzouga with Camel Trek — from €145 per person, pay on the day.
Frequently asked questions
How high is the Tizi n'Tichka pass?
About 2,260 m above sea level, the highest paved road pass in the High Atlas.
How long does it take to drive from Marrakech to Ouarzazate?
About 4 hours for the 200 km, including short photo stops.
Is the Tizi n'Tichka road dangerous?
It is a good paved road but winding, with heavy traffic at times. With careful daytime driving it is safe; many travellers prefer a professional driver.
Does it snow on the Tizi n'Tichka?
Yes, in winter. Snow occasionally closes the pass for a few hours; check conditions before travelling.
Main photo: GuHKS, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
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